With their win against Mainz today, Schalke move up in the table and at this moment are leveled with RB Leipzig for 4th place in the BL. Although of course RBL and other teams close to them like Hoffenheim, Gladbach, and Frankfurt still have their matches to play this week.

Looks like Tedesco has done well so far in stabilizing the team, and getting them back among the top clubs in the league. Although not high scoring in their results, they have been compact and look well organized defensively.

I think biggest question mark for Schalke if they make any Europe play would be. what to do with the highly likely absence of Goretzka and Meyer as both players seem all but done after this season. Although to a lesser degree Meyer as he seems to be struggling in terms of play and form and could use a change of location.

but Goretzka has been huge over the last 2 seasons for them. Even in EL, he saved the day vs Gladbach in the R16, having a goal and assist as they beat them on away goals. And vs Ajax scoring a goal and once he got injured and was taken out of the game that is when things fell apart for Schalke and they lost the midfield and conceded 2 goals and were out.

Fwiw, looks like they've reintegrated Meyer back into the starting XI in their last 2 matches. Although he plays deeper in the midfield now, as sort of a CM/DM instead of his former position as a ten. Maybe Tedesco sees him filling the Modric or Verrati role for them. The general reviews I've read have said he did reasonably well. But overall, yes Schalke's biggest concern would be what happens if they're not able to hold onto their Goretzka and Meyer. They've already suffered considerable losses of player depth in recent years.

Fwiw, looks like they've reintegrated Meyer back into the starting XI in their last 2 matches. Although he plays deeper in the midfield now, as sort of a CM/DM instead of his former position as a ten. Maybe Tedesco sees him filling the Modric or Verrati role for them. The general reviews I've read have said he did reasonably well. But overall, yes Schalke's biggest concern would be what happens if they're not able to hold onto their Goretzka and Meyer. They've already suffered considerable losses of player depth in recent years.

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also even worse when you consider that Schalke and those 2 players dragging signing extension of their contracts could risk Schalke losing both Meyer and Goretka for free. Both are free agents this summer, if neither sign or aren't sold this Winter, you get nothing out of them. Could you imagine any club losing a player like Goretzka or one with potential like Meyer for free? Try finding other players to take their place when you make 0$ off of them.